Choosing a Laser Eye Surgeon

If you have read everything there is to know about laser eye surgery and you know that you a good candidate the next thing you must do is choose a surgeon. You may think that there are not that many risks involved with laser eye surgery to warrant thoroughly checking out your eye doctor before agreeing to surgery but you would be wrong.

As you talk with different ophthalmologists, you should have a list prepared of questions you want to ask to you will be able to compare their answers to ensure that you are choosing the correct laser eye surgeon for yourself.

First, be sure that they are licensed and have the proper training for laser eye surgery. Not all eye doctors or even ophthalmologists are licensed to perform this type of surgery.

Next, learn the preferences of the eye doctors. Do they prefer to perform laser eye surgery with or without blades? Therefore, you know the difference. LASIK is done by using a small blade to create a flap in the top layer of the cornea. InterLase is done without the use of any blades. Lasers are used to create the flap. Ask them questions about why they prefer the method they do and which one they perform the most often.

Do not use an eye doctor only on the fact that he has more experience. If you do not feel comfortable talking with him or her about your personal health and your expectations, then you should keep looking.

Do not believe any eye doctor that guarantees 20/20 vision after laser eye surgery. Most individuals do not attain perfect vision after surgery. Watch out for any type of money back guarantee. Remember, this is your eyesight that we are talking about.

You can check with the Better Business Bureau to learn if anyone has filed any complaints and even go as far to know what the complaints were about. It could be no more than their own expectations were not met or it could be something a bit more serious.

Speak up and ask questions. If you do not understand the procedure, what will happen after surgery, or even the complications that might arise, ask. It is your right to understand every step of the way what to expect and what is normal or abnormal in your particular situation.

The type of laser that is used during surgery should be something that you know. The FDA has set a standard that list all the approved laser for surgery and you should ask your eye doctor which type he has and learn if it is on the list prior to agreeing to surgery.